[ LETTER ]

Strive for Nobel Prize

Published: Friday, November 1, 2013 at 12:22 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, November 1, 2013 at 12:22 a.m.

The Ledger's "Global Chemical Watchdog Awarded Nobel Peace Prize" on Oct. 11 reminded me that it's time we start honoring our own local Nobel-worthy laureates, who certainly deserve much note and praise.

Many are working heroically right in our own cities here in Florida, and across the United States to help ameliorate violence and build peace. From gang-violence prevention, teachers doing conflict resolution and bullying cessation education in schools, to restorative justice practitioners, just to name a few.

The Youth Promise Act is an important example of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House and Senate (HR 1318 and S 1307) that could do a great deal to support the kind of local peace builders our communities desperately need.

The act would fund, implement and evaluate an array of evidence-based, locally controlled youth- and gang-violence prevention and intervention practices.

It would fund programs that save lives and give every young person the opportunity to meet his or her potential.

Shouldn't it be a fundamental cultural goal to support, honor and increase the numbers of peace builders working in our own communities, who may one day rise to the level of respect and acknowledgment of Nobel Peace laureates?

<p>The Ledger's "Global Chemical Watchdog Awarded Nobel Peace Prize" on Oct. 11 reminded me that it's time we start honoring our own local Nobel-worthy laureates, who certainly deserve much note and praise.</p><p>Many are working heroically right in our own cities here in Florida, and across the United States to help ameliorate violence and build peace. From gang-violence prevention, teachers doing conflict resolution and bullying cessation education in schools, to restorative justice practitioners, just to name a few.</p><p>The Youth Promise Act is an important example of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House and Senate (HR 1318 and S 1307) that could do a great deal to support the kind of local peace builders our communities desperately need.</p><p>The act would fund, implement and evaluate an array of evidence-based, locally controlled youth- and gang-violence prevention and intervention practices. </p><p>It would fund programs that save lives and give every young person the opportunity to meet his or her potential.</p><p>Shouldn't it be a fundamental cultural goal to support, honor and increase the numbers of peace builders working in our own communities, who may one day rise to the level of respect and acknowledgment of Nobel Peace laureates?</p><p>GREGORY ESTEVE</p><p>Lake Wales</p>